Hometown celebrates with blues band

Deja Blues, voted best band at the Taste of Downtown, opened the fourth Fridays@Third summer concert series Friday night.

The band, along with face painters and clowns, were part of a Mardi Gras theme night, the first in a series of six events sponsored by Mom and Pop's and Devincensi's, a new Italian restaurant. The band played in the open air beginning at 7:30 p.m.

This is the fourth annual summer series Mom and Pop's has held.

"It's just a casual, family-oriented atmosphere," said Doug Kramer, owner of Mom and Pop's Diner. "Everyone comes out for a festive and safe atmosphere. There have been no arrests in all the years we have done this and everyone has been cooperative."

Kramer said that holding the event gives him a simple pleasure.

"When a kid is there telling me he had a nice time and he liked the band and his father is there enjoying a beer and smiling, its all worth it," he said.

Nearly 400 people were expected to attend, Kramer added.

In previous years, Carson City Redevelopment assisted in funding the street celebrations, but declined to contribute this year. Although the series included 14 events last year, Kramer said he had to reduce the series to six events because of decreased funds.

Next week's theme will be a Hispanic fiesta, coordinated in conjunction with Carson City's Hispanic Services.

IF YOU GO

What: Fridays@Third

When: 7:30 p.m. July 18, 25, Aug.15 and 22 and Sept. 19

Where: Third and Carson streets